Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 103

How To Master Tonal Dressing

Tonal dressing—wearing one color head to toe—has been having a bit of an extended moment. The trend kicked off last fall but is still going strong. You can count that as good news because 1) it’s a fairly classic look, so it’s never going to look dated, and 2) an outfit in a single color palette creates the illusion of […]

How to Get Sunscreen Stains Out of Clothes

You spend all summer diligently applying SPF, and how does the universe thank you? By getting splotchy sunscreen stains all over your clothes. Fortunately, there are a few fixes you can try. One method is to spot-treat the culprit with a mixture of dishwashing liquid and glycerin ($4, walmart.com). Alternatively, try pretreating the blotch with a stain remover, a liquid […]

5 Ways to Make Your Summer Pieces Work for Fall Too from InStyle.com

Our colleagues at InStyle.com have put together their best tips for transitioning your wardrobe from summer to fall. This list includes jacket and belting ideas, plus advice on how to rock your summer pastels in the cold winter months. To see the full list on InStyle.com, click here. More from RealSimple.com: Fall Trend: Pastel Clothing How to Layer Clothes 7 […]

Today’s Thought

Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com The Best Way to Shop Real Wedding Hydrangea Bouquets How to Raise a Positive Thinker Filed under: Daily Thought

Wednesday Trivia: The Benefits of a Messy Desk

A tidy desk has its perks. In addition to looking nice (and impressing your boss), it’s been scientifically proven to foster positive behavior. People sitting at a clean desk are more likely to donate generously, and abstain from littering and crime, than people working in cluttered spaces. But a new study from the University of Minnesota shows that a disorganized, […]

How to Make Kale Less Tough

Ever noticed how eating a kale salad can feel like trying to bite through a piece of cardboard? It’s one tough leafy green—but it doesn’t have to be. The next time you’re preparing a kale salad, wash your hands and then massage the greens. The pressure will tenderize them–making them softer, and easier to eat. It’s true! Another way to […]

How to Choose a Color Palette for Any Room

If choosing a cohesive color scheme for your next decorating project seems like a daunting task, get guidance by following this simple equation: First, pick a dominant color for 60 percent of the room, then select two accent hues (15 percent each), and, finally, spice things up with a bold accent color that’s brighter than all of the others (10 […]

Today’s Thought

Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com 8 Cool Drink Coasters How to Organize an Entryway 6 Creative Goody Bag Ideas Filed under: Daily Thought

A Son Leaves for College, and Mom’s Life Miraculously Goes On

My oldest child, my firstborn son, went to college on Saturday. I say “went,” although my husband and I (and my two other sons, and my father-in-law-with-the-mini-fridge) dropped him off. I say “dropped him off,” although it was actually a slow separation, like a boat going down a ramp into the water and then gradually disappearing into the distance. And […]

A Serene Sonoma Guest Retreat from Remodelista.com

When I clicked on this post from our friends at Remodelista.com, I suddenly wished that I could teleport myself to Sonoma and spend the weekend (heck…a week) in this serene guest house. From the decor to the open, clean feeling, this house screams relaxation. I love everything about it. To see the full post, click here. More from RealSimple.com: Transform […]